This is such a helpful thread! I'm also on CalWORKs and had the exact same confusion about stimulus payments vs. regular benefits. Like others mentioned, I got my first stimulus on my tax refund card but the second one came as a check that took weeks to arrive. It's really good to know that CalWORKs caseworkers can't help with this since it's handled by the IRS - I was planning to call my worker about it too! The Get My Payment tool on the IRS website is definitely the way to go. For anyone still waiting on their check, I'd also recommend signing up for USPS Informed Delivery like someone else suggested - it really helps you track what's coming in the mail so you're not constantly checking your mailbox wondering if today's the day.

This thread has been so educational! I'm also receiving CalWORKs benefits and had the same exact confusion about stimulus payments. I actually spent over an hour on hold trying to reach my caseworker last week about this very question, so I'm glad I found this discussion before wasting more time calling the wrong agency! It makes so much more sense now that these are completely separate systems - federal IRS vs state CalWORKs. I checked the IRS Get My Payment tool like everyone suggested and it shows my payment will be direct deposited since I filed my 2024 taxes with direct deposit info. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with the payment method changes between rounds - it helps to know this has been a common issue and not just something wrong with my specific case. Thanks to this community for always being so helpful in explaining how these different programs work!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I'm new to this community but this thread has been absolutely incredible to read through - so much helpful information from everyone's real experiences! I just went through this process in Riverside County (Region 2) when I had my daughter 5 months ago. I received $152 extra per month for adding my newborn, which is a bit less than the Region 1 amounts others have mentioned, but still really helpful for baby expenses! The $30 diaper benefit took some persistence to get added - my worker initially said it wasn't available, but I had to advocate for it based on what I'd learned from communities like this one. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to ask about the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program benefits specifically for postpartum mothers if you're breastfeeding - it's separate from regular WIC and provides additional nutritional support during the first 6 months after birth. My friend told me about it and it made a real difference. Also, since you mentioned your caseworker is slow to respond, I'd definitely recommend using that main CalWORKs line (1-877-847-3663) that others mentioned when it's time to report the birth. Any worker can add the baby to your case and you'll get much faster service than waiting for your specific worker to call back. The advice about getting everything in writing and making copies of all documents is so important - I learned that lesson the hard way! And gathering your important documents now while you're not dealing with newborn exhaustion is brilliant advice from the previous comment. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy! Sacramento County should treat you well, and you're so smart to plan ahead. This community is amazing for real-world guidance! 💕

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I'm new to this community but wow, this thread has been absolutely incredible to read through - so much valuable information from everyone who's actually been through this process! I just wanted to add my experience from when I added my baby to CalWORKs in San Joaquin County (Region 2) about 7 months ago. I received $146 extra per month for my newborn, which is on the lower end compared to Region 1 amounts, but still made a real difference for baby expenses. The $30 diaper benefit was automatically included, thankfully! One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is to ask about the Infant Supplement program - it's a small additional benefit (around $15/month) for babies under 6 months in some counties to help with formula costs even if you're breastfeeding. Not all workers know about it, but it's worth asking! Also, I wanted to emphasize what others said about keeping detailed records. I actually started a simple notebook where I wrote down every phone call - date, time, who I spoke with, and what they told me. It saved me so much hassle later when there were discrepancies about what had been discussed. The tip about calling the main line (1-877-847-3663) is absolutely golden advice. I wasted so much time trying to reach my assigned worker initially. And definitely ask for email confirmation of any changes they make to your case! Liam, you're so smart to plan ahead! With all this amazing advice from everyone, you're going to be so well prepared. Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and smooth benefit updates! 💕

Just want to add - during my CBEST interview, they also asked about my living situation and daily routine in detail. They wanted to know things like how I manage household tasks, shopping, personal care, etc. Don't downplay your limitations but be honest about what you struggle with. The interview is really about painting a complete picture of how your condition affects your daily life, not just your ability to work. Also, if you haven't already, start keeping a daily pain/symptom diary - it can be really helpful evidence if you need to appeal. Good luck with your process!

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago! After my CBEST interview, I was so anxious about the waiting period too. Here's what helped me get through it: First, make sure you have copies of everything they took during your interview - I actually took photos of all my documents before handing them over. Second, if you haven't already, ask your CBEST worker for a letter confirming your SSI application is pending - this can help with your CalWORKs worker if there are any questions about your status. The hardest part is really just the waiting, but try to stay positive. My approval came through at month 4, which was faster than I expected. Also, don't be afraid to call your CBEST worker every few weeks for updates - it's their job to help you through this process. You've already taken the hardest step by completing the interview!

Hey Luca! I've been through a similar situation with early morning shifts. One thing that wasn't mentioned yet - if you end up qualifying for CalWORKs childcare assistance, make sure to ask specifically about "non-traditional hours" care. Since you're starting at 4am, you'll need a provider who can do overnight/very early morning care, and not all childcare providers accept the CalWORKs payment rates for those hours. Also, while you're waiting for the CalWORKs application to process (it can take 45 days), you might want to look into local churches or community centers that sometimes offer emergency childcare assistance. I know it's a long shot, but some have programs specifically for parents starting new jobs. Good luck with everything!

Hey! I work for a childcare resource & referral agency in LA County and can help with that question about finding providers who accept CalWORKs rates for non-traditional hours. You can call Child Care Resource Center at (213) 380-0560 - they maintain a database of all licensed providers in LA County and can filter by those who accept subsidies AND offer overnight/early morning care. Also, when you apply for CalWORKs, ask your eligibility worker about the "emergency childcare" option. If you have a job start date, they can sometimes expedite the childcare approval (within 10 days instead of 45) if you can document that you need childcare to accept or maintain employment. Bring your job offer letter with the hours listed when you apply - this really helps speed things up! One more tip - LA County has a 24-hour childcare pilot program through some family daycare providers. It's limited spots but worth asking about specifically since your hours are so early.

This is such a common problem and it's so frustrating! I'm glad you finally got your call and got approved. For future reference, I always keep a log when waiting for CalWORKs interviews - write down the exact time you started waiting, any calls you received or didn't receive, and when they finally called. This documentation has saved me twice when workers tried to claim I was unavailable. Also, pro tip for anyone dealing with this: if you have other appointments you can't miss (like picking up kids), you can usually call the CalWORKs office in the morning and ask if they're running behind schedule. Sometimes they'll give you a heads up if they know they're going to be hours late. It doesn't always work but worth a try! The system really needs to respect people's time better. We shouldn't have to put our entire day on hold for a phone call that might or might not come when scheduled. 😤

I'm so sorry you had to go through that stress, but I'm really glad it worked out in the end! Your experience is unfortunately way too common with CalWORKs interviews. I've been there myself - sitting by the phone for hours, missing other appointments, wondering if you should give up or keep waiting. It's especially anxiety-inducing when you're already struggling financially and know how much depends on that one phone call. The advice everyone gave here is spot on. For anyone else dealing with this, definitely document everything and don't be afraid to call the next day if they don't reach you. The workers are usually understanding about the delays since they know it happens all the time due to their heavy caseloads. It's frustrating that the system puts so much stress on people who are already in difficult situations, but at least there's a supportive community here to help navigate it. Wishing you all the best with getting your benefits processed quickly! 🤞